Thu, Apr 27 2017 - Sapelo Island Annual Camping & Beachcombing Weekend (View Original Event Details) Trip Leader(s): Charlie Cottingham, Stacey Johnson Participants: Charlie Cottingham, Stacey Johnson, Phyllis Melton, Pete Sadel, Armchair Guy, gheetl, Arlene S, Mary Lou, Eulah, CT Waidner, Lorri, Charlene A, Terry S, Angela, Beth Ash, Bob D., Laura, carolj, Anne, Adel, Sharon, Fatima, Tim W, Hugh Baker, Allison B.

  We 25 AOC camper-adventurers had an unforgettable long weekend together on this amazing "crown jewel" of GA's barrier islands! The clear spring weather was perfect for exploring its gorgeous beaches, kayaking over to Blackbeard Island, bicycling, enjoying professionally guided tours & nature hikes, marveling at the wonders of the night sky, and just "chillaxing" on the beach or under giant moss-draped live oaks. Our friendly hosts at our lovely oceanside Cabretta group site were Jill Powers and her 13-year-old son Wyatt.  They provided excellent bus transportation between the ferry dock & campsite, arranged for our rental of kayaks & bicycles, and brought us dozens of extra bags of ice for our coolers.
  We enjoyed almost nonstop socializing all weekend, with dozens of bountiful culinary delights served up at our group meals and no shortage of fine wines, beers and other liquid treats.  Around the blazing campfire each night our games, sing-alongs and conversations were especially fun and memorable.
  Sixteen of us enjoyed a guided Friday bus tour of the Island with our friend JR Grovner that included leisurely visits to the famous Sapelo lighthouse, the palatial Reynolds Mansion, the bustling gift shop & bar in "downtown Hog Hammock," and for the first time in several years - the wilder north end of the Island with its historic "Chocolate" settlement, massive indian shell ring, and Raccoon Bluff church.   We also want to thank our GA-DNR naturalist friends Stephanie & Janet for treating us to a delightful and educational Sat AM hike Sat AM to "Nanny Goat Beach" via the South End Nature Trail.  Sat afternoon Janet also kindly taught several of us the basics of how to throw a "cast net" to catch shrimp, etc. (on our own lovely Cabretta beach) and also how to use a rod & reel to fish in the surf.
    Thanks to all of you who pitched in so heartily with our trundling of heavy gear, and contributed so much to our family-style group meals - esp. to Stacey who did such a bang-up job as our trip Co-Leader.  I copy below her colorful group shot of us at the Campsite fire ring that she has also posted on Facebook.
  I look forward to adding below the links to our campers' various online photo albums so we can share some of our hundreds of colorful shots.  Also I'll welcome any humorous or insightful anecdotes about the trip that I'll gladly add to this writeup!
  Mark your calendars for an exciting Spring 2018 "encore" of this Sapelo trip which I've reserved for the AOC for next Apr 26-29, 2018!  - Submitted by Charlie, Mon May 1st

Added May 3rd:  Thanks to Lorri Meyer for this nice e-note to us with its convenient link to her album of colorful Sapelo shots!
Hi All:  I put together a small album of my photos from our Sapelo weekend. You may have to copy/paste the link as I could not get it to open with just a click.  Enjoy.   https://goo.gl/photos/YiVKV6EPfo9hZ8JA8